Choosing to Live Off the Internet

I’m going to be frank here, friends. Mainly because I value this space and I value all of you who read what I post. Plus, I’ve been doing a lot in order to “honor myself”, so I feel like if I don’t just come right out and say it, it’ll fester.

I’m fine with the fact I haven’t blogged in a month. Like, completely, 100% ok with it. Because here’s the thing: I am more than what I share on the internet. I’m a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a doula, an independent contractor, and more. I’m not saying this to show you how “busy” I am. In fact, I really dislike the “busy” jargon that so many people spew today. When did we start to glorify “busy”? When did Person A become more valuable than Person B because her calendar has more entries? Just stop. If you believe that, I feel really sorry for you.

This blog has taken a backseat because I have other really meaningful things on my plate and it’s a choice that I’ve made to not prioritize it. Even though I still love creating and sharing my ideas here (and will continue to do so, by-the-way), it’s just not something I’ve been choosing to spend my time on.

So, what have I been spending my time on?

CURRENTLY…

on my calendar

I have several mommas due in the next couple of months, so I’ve been getting to know each of them and have been gathering resources to help me help them experience their best birth. Oh right. Did you miss a post somewhere? I’m a birth doula.

I’ve also been steadily planning a couple of trips! I’m flying out to visit my oldest friend in Austin soon, and my husband and I are headed across the pond in late September. Stay tuned!

inspired by

I’ve been reading a lot about birth, and I was recently introduced to an author who wrote a book that has absolutely rocked my world. I say this not only as a doula and birth junkie, but as a woman on a personal quest through life. Ancient Map for Modern Birth has gripped me from the very beginning because it’s about the journey.

listening to

My sisters and I always made fun of my mom for her mountain of “self help” books, and still, I find myself nose deep in self help podcasts – the millennial’s “self help book” alternative. Honestly though, I find podcasts entertaining, but also really good for the soul.

My current self help podcast favorite is The Overwhelmed Brain because it’s geared towards critical thinkers and Paul gives actionable things that you can do if you want to better yourself.

So yeah – these are the things that have taken priority over blogging recently. And really, what fun would a blog be if all the author ever did was blog? So my lack of blogging priority has been shifted to a desire to put the lifestyle back into this lifestyle blog.

On the upcoming blog agenda is:

a DIY laundry room makeover

6 weeks of the One Room Challenge (eeek!), and

travel inspired posts

P.S. If you ever just miss me and want to catch up, please reach out to me on Instagram. I post there more often and I’m happy to chat with you on messenger there.

Comments

High Five for committing to things that have meaning for you! I really admire your passion for being a doula – not everyone has that gift of empathy and nuture. Love that about you! Also hooray for podcasts! I’ve never thought of them as this generation’s version of a self-help book, but its SO TRUE! HAHA based on my “to listen” list I’m needing a lot of help 🙂

You know what’s funny? The culture in MN was to always talk about how busy you were – your work plate was full, your home life was full, you had so much to do you could only sleep for 5 hours a day, blah blah. It drove me NUTS, so I went out of my way to talk about how much time I had, and could take on some other people’s responsibilities in the office if they were too busy. I wasn’t successful in shifting their attitudes, but I sure got some shocked looks and made their busy comments look ridic in meetings. If you just stopped talking about how busy you are, and did the work, you’d find a lot more time on your hands. Just saying.

Anyway, I’m so glad you’re finding what you’re passionate about and glad you’ll keep this blog going on the side! I got a whole lot happier when I started blogging about the things I wanted to talk about again, and not “how to” and other posts that would do well on Pinterest but just weren’t interesting to me or fun to write.

I love that you have been following your interests and prioritizing your time and brainspace! I think that there is nothing more important than fulfilling your true interests and am so proud of you for becoming a doula! I think so many bloggers take breaks during the summer, so it worked out well! That being said, I have missed reading your articles and am looking forward to reading more of your DIYs this fall! xoox

I have been doing a lot more “me” things and a lot less blogging too lately. I have just been enjoying my free time away from all social media. I am back at it now but I love a good cleanse from it all. Your DIY laundry makeover sounds interesting, so looking forward to that lady! XO

Good for you for prioritizing what’s most important to you in your life right now. I can’t wait to hear more about your experience as a doula! It definitely suits you. But I will say, I’m glad you’re keeping this space. 🙂
And I’m so excited for your house projects!

Oh, sweet Jaelan, how I adore you, this post, and everything you do. Am I your groupie? Maybe, I’m fine with it. I couldn’t agree more to the first part of your post, and people who categorize their busy as busier and more important than your busy nauseate me. I’m proud that you prioritize YOU and LIFE and the women you are helping and your family over the blog, and at the same time, I’m excited for the posts you have coming up.

I have been the same lately– barely blogging because I’ve been enjoying life! And like you, I don’t feel guilty.

I think it is so neat that you are a birth doula! I love that you are able to be with women who are giving birth without their mommas, husbands, or just want extra support! Knowing that if/when my husband and I have kids, and I could potentially deliver a baby without my husband or family nearby (since he’s in the military), it is so nice to hear that there are others out there who want to empower women and support them as they bring a new life into the world!

Thank you so much, girl!
I am so proud of what I’ve chosen to do. Being a birth doula has been so rewarding and I love giving to others. I’m happy to support families of all kinds – single moms or moms with a partner. There’s actually a lot of support that I can give couples during the time, too. : )